Dr. Johanna Sonnenburg (née Schlaack) is a freelance consultant, author, speaker, and coach. She conducts research and teaches as an associate at the Center for Metropolitan Studies at the Technical University of Berlin.

She studied architecture in Berlin and Edinburgh. In 2013, she earned her Ph.D. in Germany and the U.S. on the topic of airports as catalysts for metropolitan regions. In 2009, she founded the urban policy think tank “Think Berl!n.” She has taught as a visiting professor at the Technical University of Berlin and at Leibniz University Hannover. She is a member of the board of the Berlin-Brandenburg Association of Architects and Engineers, the advisory board of the Hermann Henselmann Foundation, and the steering committee of the “Initiative Stadt Neudenken.” Since 2018, Project Manager for Strategic Site Development at Tempelhof Airport. In 2020, completed certified training as a systemic coach (Life & Business).

Academic Career & Education

• Since 2016: Associate Researcher at the Center for Metropolitan Studies, TU Berlin.
• 2014–2015: Visiting Professor for Smart Infrastructures and Urban Development, TU Berlin.
• 2013–2014: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center for Metropolitan Studies, TU Berlin.
• 2008–2013: Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.) on "Airport and Airea" within the DFG Research Training Group Berlin–New York (TU Berlin & Columbia University), awarded Summa cum laude.
• 1999–2006: Degree in Architecture (Dipl.-Ing., TU Berlin) and Master in Architecture and Urban Design (Edinburgh College of Art, 2001–2002).
• Professional Experience in Architecture & Urban Planning
• Since 2018: Project Lead for Strategic Site Development, Tempelhof Projekt GmbH.
• Since 2010: Freelance Strategy Consultant and Vision Coach.
• 2015–2018: Head of Urban Development Division, Stiftung SPI.
• 2010–2015: Managing Partner at PS. Planen und Stadt; Consultant at Utility Competence Berlin GmbH.
• Since 2009: Co-founder of the think tank Think Berl!n.

Research, Advisory Roles & Awards

• Lead and participant in research projects funded by DFG, DAAD, and BMBF, focusing on smart cities, airport-adjacent development, and urban governance.
• International research stays in the USA, Australia, India, and China.
• Grants and awards include DFG doctoral scholarships, 1st place at the REAL CORP 2008 poster competition, and exhibition contributions at the Venice Biennale (2002) and Martin-Gropius-Bau (2010/2011).
• Board and advisory memberships include the Berlin Association of Architects and Engineers (AIV), Hermann Henselmann Foundation, and the steering committee of Stadt Neudenken e.V.
• Extensive record of keynotes, panel moderation, and academic publications (Monograph: "Flughafen und Airea", DOM publishers, 2015).